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My artwork was taken and used, but...

Hey guys some guy i don't know took my artwork for his website, and he wants to use it on dvds for a skateboard movie. The thing is, he wrote me an email after he had it on his website, asking if he could use it, and if not he will remove it, also he asked for the full uncompressed file, if i said he could use it.

Im not sure if i should just say yes he can use it, or say no, or charge him to use it. The video looks alright, im a skateboarder myself so i can tell the video has some potential, but im still not sure what to do.

I belive theres no reason to fuck with them by charge them for useing your stuff, at least he asks, and he says they take it away if you dont think its cool?
I think theres nothing to fight about, let em use it, or just say no, they are not allowed to use it!

Either ask for money, or ask for them to put up a link to your website, or do some other bit of publicity for you. Don't let them use the art for free, because they need to learn that using first and asking later isn't kosher.

I think you are awesome, and I wish you the best in your endeavors, but I am tired of repeating myself, I am very busy with my new baby, and I am no longer a regular participant here, so please do not contact me to ask for advice on your career or education. All of the advice that I have to offer can already be found in the following links. Thank you.

Nothing wrong with free publicity. I wouldn't bill them for it , as they actually asked your permission to use it, (despite posting the picture before your reply). No harm done. Do as Seedling suggests as well, get them to post a link to your website.

Personally, I would charge them a pretty small usage fee if they are going to use it for their video, or a well visible link to your site in the Credits or something. But as for what they've done, no real harm I guess.

Either ask for money, or ask for them to put up a link to your website, or do some other bit of publicity for you. Don't let them use the art for free, because they need to learn that using first and asking later isn't kosher.

Maybe this be one of those instances where it'd be good to send them an invoice for a work, but at a 100% discount, so they see what something like this would normally cost in case they choose to hire you at a later time...

nice video, though i agree that they should give credits for the stuff theyre using. the music is by VAST for instance, and they dont mention that anywhere either. hes got some nice graphic design and editing though, and his camera work is clean. id say this is worth having your stuff in for promo purposes, as long as he gives you due credit.

I agree about the discounted invoice, you can also ask for a handful of dvd's. You can keep one to show off and the others might make nice presents if you have skater friends (and good promo for them, they shouldn't argue too much)

Thanks for your input guys, he has now told me he is a 1 man production, he is in college, and he isn't going to sell the dvd, just give it out around town. And show it on the internet... Is that even good publicity for me... Should i just say no.

I'd pretty much go along with everybody here, because this kid sounds young and stupid, BUT...

Whatever you decide, politely and diplomatically state in the first paragraph of your letter to him that it is NOT proper under any circumstances to use someone's art without ASKING FIRST, not afterwards. If he's trying to be a professional, he should learn how one acts first...

No position or belief, whether religious, political or social, is valid if one has to lie to support it.--Alj Mary

Ironically, the concept of SIMPLICITY is most often misunderstood by simple-minded people. --Alj Mary